Hamlin wins pole at Dover International Speedway

/ AP

Denny Hamlin poses with his award after he won the pole during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race qualifying on Friday, May 31, 2013, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Denny Hamlin poses with his award after he won the pole during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race qualifying on Friday, May 31, 2013, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (/ AP)

Hamlin showed he continues to be on the mend after being sidelined for four races with a compression fracture in his lower spine following a March 24 crash involving former teammate Joey Logano. Hamlin is 97 points out of the top 10 and an automatic berth in the Chase.

He and Johnson are the only two drivers to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup every year they've been eligible.

Truex, from nearby Mayetta, N.J., has long considered Dover his home track. His 2007 victory propelled him into the Chase, and another win Sunday would not only end a six-year drought, but bolster his spot in the top 10. He enters Sunday's race ninth in the standings.

"You always want to come here and get the pole," Truex said. "I love this place so much and have so many fans in this area."

Truex finished seventh and sixth in last year's two Cup races at Dover.

Truex wants to win in front of all his family and friends. Hamlin pretty much has to win before time totally runs out for him to make the Chase.

"I think our only play is to be aggressive," Hamlin said. "I think that to come here and try to get a good points day is irrelevant because if we don't win, then we're not really accomplishing much."